I am a Lutheran woman who was married at a court house to an atheist in a civil ceremony. During my 5year marriage my ex-husband had several affairs which led to a separation, reconsilliation, but eventually to me asking for a divorce. It was granted. I have a young child with this man.

I am now in love with a wonderful man who is Catholic and I am wondering where I stand infront of the church with my failed marriage. I believe to have found what I have been looking for, both in this man as well as the Catholic church and my heart tells me that converting to Catholicism is right for me. I would like to marry him eventually in the Catholic church. Would it be recognized by the church? What if any steps woudl I need to start taking?

-- Sari Leinonen (sleinonen@charter.net), July 29, 2002

Answers

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-- @ (@@@@.com), July 30, 2002.

Sari,

The first step you need to take is to visit the pastor of your local Catholic Church to discuss your situation. You will eventually need to fill out the paper work for a "Decree of Nullity". This is a statement by the Church that says your first marriage was invalid (did not follow proper form).

I am not sure how the Church handles Christians of other faiths marrying in a civil ceremony. However, your pastor can get you started.

-- Glenn (glenn@excite.com), July 30, 2002.

Dear Sari,

Sorry about your first marriage. Before you get married to this catholic man you claim to be in love with, I would suggest that you give yourself time for healing like to 2 to 3 years without involving yourself with another man and all this time praying to our good God to let his will be done. Could be from there you will be more sober to be involved in another relationship which you should not take less than 3 years to get to know. It may look for long but I am sure all these years we bring fruitful blessing. May God bless you.

Yours sincerely,

Josephine

-- Josephine Muthoni Kamurua (jmuthoni@brookschool.com), April 08, 2003.